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The differences between journeyman linemen and master electricians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a journeyman lineman and a master electrician. Additionally, a journeyman lineman has an average salary of $77,257, which is higher than the $52,154 average annual salary of a master electrician.
The top three skills for a journeyman lineman include CDL, switches and customer service. The most important skills for a master electrician are electrical equipment, electrical systems, and switches.
A journeyman lineman specializes in the installation, repair, and maintenance of electrical systems and other supplementary equipment. Their responsibilities typically revolve around climbing up and working on power lines and electrical cables, reading and understanding wiring systems, reporting progress or issues to supervisors, performing regular inspections and providing corrective measures, and removing any obstructions in wires or power lines. Because of the risks surrounding the job, it is crucial to adhere to all the safety policies and regulations to maintain a safe and productive work environment.
A Master Electrician installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems in private homes or commercial properties. They also supervise the work performed by journeymen, ensure proper staffing, and monitor the quality, as well as prepare and submit work documentation.
Journeyman linemen and master electricians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Journeyman Lineman | Master Electrician | |
| Average salary | $77,257 | $52,154 |
| Salary range | Between $52,000 And $114,000 | Between $31,000 And $86,000 |
| Highest paying City | Eureka, CA | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Vermont |
| Best paying company | Pacific Gas and Electric | Allegro MicroSystems |
| Best paying industry | Utilities | Energy |
There are a few differences between a journeyman lineman and a master electrician in terms of educational background:
| Journeyman Lineman | Master Electrician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 47% | Bachelor's Degree, 28% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering Technology | Electrical Engineering Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between journeyman linemen' and master electricians' demographics:
| Journeyman Lineman | Master Electrician | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.7% Female, 2.3% | Male, 94.3% Female, 5.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 2.2% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | Black or African American, 9.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 2.3% White, 66.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |